Snowshoeing with Mandy

What is Snowshoeing?

Snowshoeing is really just walking but with the aid of snowshoes to stop you sinking into the snow and to give you better grip on icy terrain.  It is the ideal way to discover and enjoy the Pyrenees in Winter!  The Pyrenees are renowned for their sunny blue-sky days which make for perfect outings in the mountains.  A great way to beat back the winter blues with an injection of sunshine and physical activity, especially when you come back to a warm and cosy hotel or refuge for some mulled wine or a hot drink!

If you are a Summer hiker, snowshoeing in Winter will suit you well.

Snow-shoes were first used by Canadian trappers with huge and heavy basket-type racquets to allow them to go out hunting in the midst of winter.  The large surface area of the snow-shoe spreads your weight out, stopping you from sinking into the snow.  These days snow-shoes are made of  light-weight plastic and are in the form of a narrow tennis racquet.  They are simply strapped onto your winter boots (normal waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are fine) and allow you to walk on the snow without sinking in.  Poles are used for extra push and for balance making the whole thing even simpler.

After a short training session on your newly-obtained bigger feet, walking with them will quickly become very natural.

Join Mandy on one of these great snow shoe trip this Winter.  Dates in bold are confirmed.

New Year With A Difference

Make this New Year an experience to remember.  Spend it in the Pyrenees!  Four days snowshoeing (with one fire cooked lunch of local products in the beautiful Frutière Valley) and one day off to ski, paraglide, drink mulled wine or sit in a bubbling thermal bath. On New Year’s Eve you will snowshoe up to the renowned Auberge Chez Louisette for a gourmet dinner and dancing evening at altitude. 26 Dec – 2 Jan 2012.

Winter Snowshoeing Magic

Valleys, markets, views and snowshoes!  Spend a week in the cosy Hotel Les Templiers and head out each day to discover a new facade of the Pyrenean winter experience.  21-28 Jan 2012, 3-10 Mar 2012, 10-17 Mar 2012.

Marcadau Hut & Luz Valley Trip

Your snowshoeing week is split between the stunning Luz and Cauterets valleys – 5 nights in the comfort of Hotel Les Templiers in Luz and 2 nights in Marcadau Refuge for a real winter mountain experience.  4-11 Feb 2012, 11-18 Feb 2012, 18-25 Feb 2012.

Encantats Hut to Hut Trek

You will be ‘enchanted’ by the magical beauty of these mountains in the Spanish Pyrenees!  A hut to hut snowshoe trek is the ultimate winter experience.  25 Feb – 3 Mar 2012, 17-24 Mar 2012.

**If you let us know your dates before Christmas we can schedule the guided week of your choice accordingly.**

**If you have a group of 5 or more the trip can run privately, at the date of your choice.  Alternatively, if you are happy for others to join your group then enjoy a 50€pp discount for your group.**